Inspectors at open houses....acceptable or just a nuisance?

I don't mind a bit when vendors stop by as long as they identify themselves.  I would prefer they not engage any potential clients in conversation.  I think it shows some initiative.  And, frankly, there have been a few open houses when I'd be grateful for someone to talk with and break up the time! LOL  If they just happen to be carrying a nice big salad and a diet Coke, I'd like it even better!

I do this type of marketing.  It works well and the agents seem to be receptive.  I make it casual and always bring a open house survival kit.  My intention is in just making a friend, keep it lite and don't interfere with the sales process. 

Yeah, i agree come in offering something of value .. information, business models, plans, tip of the day... anything to help others ... I like to lead with a GIVING hand... just some food for thought.

 Personally, no bother  So long a no clients or prospective buyers are there.

I would not mind as long as it does not interfere while I am with  the customers.

BTW, what about the reverse? I have the occasional Sunday inspection where the broker/agent decides to hold the open house as the inspection contingency is still open.  

I've been marketing this way for a couple of years.  It's about the only way to meet realtors face to face on a one on one situation.  There are several caveats.  I don't bring things to give to the agent (I've been told by several that it feels like a bribe, and has nothing to do with the task at hand).  I always stay out of the way and, in fact, leave if lookers arrive.  I also revisit people (if there appeared to be a connection).  This business, like many, is all about relationships.  If I get any negative vibe from the agent, I don't stick around.  It is their space, and I am not interested in invading it.

What Happen here is your are invited by the Realtor. Then they will ask you to cover 1/2 the cost of the open house. Food drink etc. I have no need for this type of practise.

I've had home inspectors along with mortgage people. I don't mind as long as they identify themselves and stroll off into another room if others come through. They are in the relationship business too and if you don't put yourself face to face it could be hard to get business.

Shawn and Mary, I agree completely.  ln fact there have been instances where realtors that I have been building relationship, have asked me questions about the house.  Once, at an open house just up the road from my own rural residence, the realtor asked me to talk with a potential buyer about the neighborhood.  I kidded that if they bought the house, I should get a partial commission. 

There is one inspector who will visit open houses.  He is known to bring fresh home made cookies and water.  I don't mind if vendors stop by and echo what most have said above, just don't hang around when there are potential clients in the house.  When I am at an inspection I do not hang close to the inspector and  let them do their work.  I expect the same when I am working.

My feeling is you should market any ethical way possible. Especially when times get slow. Open houses require some subtle concern about what the real purpose of the day is.  Never interfere or interrupt a sales viewing or sales talk between the realtor and a potential buyer. Leave a card but not stacks of them. Offering a water or a soda may be pleasantly received and ask if you could answer any questions they might have about inspections if they seem to want to talk to you, and get out after a polite moment if they don't.

 

All very interesting and possitive comments. When I got in the business we where still trying to sell the concept of a home inspection. I decided to get my business off the ground I would go to a minimum of 5 open houses every Sunday for one year to create a customer base. Then I would followup by sending the agent info by mail and then one last followup phone call. It was a much more hostile environment back then as many old shcool agents rebelled against home inspections. Most of them have eithjer changed their ways or are now out of business.  None the less...for the times it was a great success for me. This was all before the internet and the present consumer awarness about inspections. Now the market has changed. Real estate agents are no longer my primary or target market. Now I go straight to the consumer market primarily through the internet. There are more buyers and sellers out there than there are agents. So I go for the mass numbers which is also successful. That is not to say i don't introduce my company and service to the agents when I meet them at inspections.

Dan

http://final-analysis.com

I only go to broker open houses, so as not to bother the agent when a buyer may be present.

Thank you for opening up this topic.  I have been quite curious about this myself and have been debating whether it would be a good idea or not.  It is interesting to hear other peoples perspectives.  I agree that the best way to get out there is face to face and being able to go out  and meet agents etc, but without wanting to, as you said 'be a nuisance'.  Thanks

Interesting ... I've heard of lenders sitting at and stopping by Open Houses, but never a home inspector.  Although I don't do Open Houses, so I am probably not the most representative voice in this regard, it seems it may add value particularly to 1st time buyers...

I have never had a home inspector show up at an open house, either invited or unvited by me. First, I don't think I would specifically invite a home inspector.  I am not sure a potential buyer would appreciate it, if one was present.  I don't mind if home inspectors email or mail information to me directly, to introduce themselves and their services, etc., ... OR...  if it was an Agent's Open House, then I probably wouldn't mind if home inspectors, or others, who provide a service to the buyers or sellers, showed up as well.  As long as the potential buyers aren't present, and it doesn't come across as if I'm trying to push a particular 'service provider' on them, then that's OK.

I have been to several open houses lately. I bring 10 open house survival kits for the people coming through and 1 for the Realtor on site. I always introduce myself and ask the Realtor if it is O.K. if I leave the survival kits. I also explain that I will leave them and then return to pick up any un used ones so the Realtor doesn't have to clean up after me. I invite the Realtor to place any of their personal information they want potetial buyers to take with them inside the kits as well. I have never been turned down and have made a couple nice contacts as well.

Some of the responses are kind of funny.... BIG thing to remember: it's the REALTOR'S open house for his/her seller....not the home inspectors open chance to get a lil' business. If the REALTOR isn't with someone, I can't see a reason in the world he/she wouldn't have a chance to talk to you about your services and be pleased with an introduction. But anything in the aspect of passing out promotional materials for your business- I don't know. I had an inspector show up one time, I had previously met him, but he didn't know that knocking on the door.....we chatted for a few minutes and he was on his way. I think it's a fine way to meet REALTORS one has yet to...but as nice as he was, even had he asked pleasantly, I wouldn't have given out any of his materials.

Does not bother me if a vendor stops in during an open house. 

My 2 cents...... Agents have shown an interest in inviting home inspectors to co host open house events. The forward thinking agents like the idea of having an extra set of eyes on things. They also like the additional safety factor. It's a chance to build relationships with buyers & inspectors.

Agents will always be a prime source for referrals to any inspection company. Be nice Mr. Inspector, get invited to the party, don't crash it.......just sayin!